Celebrating 75 years of the European Convention on Human Rights

Celebrating 75 years of the European Convention on Human Rights

Last week, we were delighted to welcome 49 participants to our online event marking the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Among the diverse group of attendees were representatives from civil society organisations, government officials, academics and funders.

Hosted in partnership with the Human Rights Consortiums of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales/Cymru, the discussion brought together leading voices from across the UK’s devolved nations, including Jen Ang (Director of Lawmanity and human rights lawyer), Charlie McMillan (Director of HRCS), Kevin Hanratty (HRC Northern Ireland), Ele Hicks (WCVA), Rachel Hogan (Children’s Law Centre NI), Rhian Davies (Disability Wales), Tim Hopkins (LGBT Campaigner) and Andy Sirel (JustRight Scotland). 

Together, we reflected on the ECHR’s enduring legacy, its vital role in protecting rights across different nations, and the important of standing united for human rights in the UK.

For 75 years, communities across the UK have relied on the ECHR to speak up for their fundamental rights. It ensures that governments make decisions that protect those who are often ignored: survivors of domestic violence, older people, LGBTI people, disabled people, and more. Every day, people use the ECHR to hold government to account.

The ECHR is not only a cornerstone of rights protection; it is a bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a core pillar of devolution. Our event reflected on this legacy, its ongoing role in safeguarding rights across different nations, and the importance of standing together for human rights across the UK.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to this important conversation. Let’s continue to work together to protect and strengthen these vital rights.